U.S. Bastogne "Nuts" Octagonal Brass Plaque.

U.S. Bastogne "Nuts" Octagonal Brass Plaque.
U.S. Bastogne "Nuts" octagonal brass plaque, a locally produced memento from Bastogne, Belgium, depicting U.S. General McAluiffe replying "NUTS" to a German surrender offer on December 22, 1944 during the German encirclement of the town of Bastogne, Belgium.

This plaque is known to exist in several variations. The first version seems to have been round. They were made in Couvin, Belgium; the round version is marked on the reverse, "patent"and it comes in two variations; with and without a raised border. The octagonal versions, like this example, bear no markings and are believed to be a locally made copy of the Couvin plaque.

According to the 101st Airborne Division lore, these octagonal plaques were "awarded" in a ceremony after the war just prior to repatriation.

Often brass items like this were locally produced, generally from melted-down brass cartridge and shell casings of which there was a plethora after the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes. These were both presented to Bastogne veterans and sold locally after the war.

Provenance: Acquired at Internet auction in 1999 by the Louise Veninga Collection.

ZFC Noteworthy Flag

Sources:

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What is the history of a Gen. McAuliffe WWII plaque or trivet?, Answers, 7 Ma7 2012, from: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/

What_is_the_history_of_a_General_McAuliffe_World_War_2_plaque_or_trivet
Souvenirs, MARK BANDO'S WEBSITE, The Bulge-At BASTOGNE, 7 May 2012, from: http://www.101airborneww2.com/souvenirs3.html

Image Credits:
Zaricor Flag Collection

Hoist & Fly
Width of Hoist	5.375
Length of Fly	5.25

Frame
Is it framed?	no

Stars
Are there stars on obverse?	no
Are there stars on reverse?	no

Stripes
Has a Blood Stripe?	no

Crest/Emblem
Description of Crest/Emblem	Cast brass

Documentation
Documents	All original documents and drawings are held in the Zaricor Flag Collection Archives.
Drawings	All original documents and drawings are held in the Zaricor Flag Collection Archives.

Condition
Condition	Excellent
Damage	slightly tarnished.
Displayable	yes

Date
Date	1945